Homecoming 2026 - Schedule of Events

Below is the schedule of events for Homecoming 2026, October 7-11!

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Wednesday, October 7
Edward Babka Aviation Learning Center Expansion and Hangar Addition Ribbon Cutting and Open House*
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Babka Aviation Learning Center, 10656 Airport Road, Dubuque, Iowa
4:00 p.m. Welcome and Tour of Edward Babka Aviation Learning Center Expansion
4:45 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Hangar Addition Open House
Reception to follow until 6:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, October 8
Aviation Career Fair
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Steffens Hall, Charles and Romona Myers Center 

Heritage Society Dinner
5:30 p.m. | Stoltz Sports Center, University of Dubuque
By invitation only. 

Friday, October 9
Homecoming Registration - Spartan Welcome Center
10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Lobby, Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center

Sergeant Jeffrey B. Dodge Veterans Center Open House and Scholarship Presentation*
10:30 a.m. - Noon | Garden Level, Blades Hall

Chapel Service
11:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.  | Blades Chapel

University BBQ Lunch | $15
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Alumni Common (North Quad)

Art Gallery Exhibit: Beyond the Game: A UD Athletic Homecoming
12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Charles and Elizabeth Bisignano Art Gallery, Heritage Center
"Beyond the Game: A UD Athletic Homecoming" takes a closer look at the student-athletes behind the performances. Through action photography and personal narratives, the exhibition captures UD student-athletes both in competition and beyond athletics, highlighting their ambition, perseverance, academic pursuits, and careers. Together, their stories reveal the individuals behind the jerseys and remind us that every jersey carries a story that extends far beyond the game.

Alumni Trip Meet and Greet
12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Room 260, Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center

Babka Aviation Learning Center Open House
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Babka Aviation Learning Center
Trolley departure times from campus: 12:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Campus Trolley Tour
1:15 p.m. | Meet at Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center Entrance to Board Trolley
Tour is approximately 25 minutes long.
Note: First come, first served. If the trolley is full, a second tour will be offered immediately following. 

The Momentum Continues: Campaign Update & Meet and Greet
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Lounge, Severance Hall
Hear from leaders of UD's newest programs including:

• Jodi Prosise, PhD, dean of the School of Engineering and Technology and inaugural director of engineering
• Jeanne Rupert, DO, PhD, founding dean and chief academic officer for the proposed John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine (applicant, seeking accreditation)

Art Gallery Open House 
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Charles and Elizabeth Bisignano Art Gallery, Heritage Center
"Beyond the Game: A UD Athletic Homecoming" photographer Hannah Bauch (C'25), coordinator of creative media, marketing, and fan engagement, will join us during the open house to visit with guests and share more about the exhibition.

Organ Recital
3:30 p.m. | John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

President's Homecoming Celebration | $25
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Heritage Center
New this year! Join us for this special Homecoming signature event hosted by President Travis L. Frampton, PhD, for an evening of celebration and Spartan Pride. The evening will honor the 2026 Alumni Award Recipients, recognize the reunion milestones of the Classes of 1966, 1976, and 1986, and feature an exclusive update from President Frampton on the remarkable momentum shaping the future of the University of Dubuque.
4:00  p.m. - Cocktail Hour | CyberCafe
5:00 p.m. - Program and Dinner, catered by 7Hills Brewing Company | Babka Theatre
Post-dinner dessert and cocktail reception and music by the UD Jazz Band | CyberCafe and Knapp Stage

 

Saturday, October 10
Wrestling Alumni Open Mats
8:00 a.m. | Stoltz Sports Center

Homecoming Registration 
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Alumni Tailgate Tent, Upper Finley Parking Lot

Spartan Fest! University Tailgate
11:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Upper Finley Parking Lot

Tailgate Vendors Include: 

• Bob and Lou's Coffee Camper
• Hibachi Time 
• La Patron
• Magoo's Pizza

Football Game vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University* | $3
2:00 p.m. | Chalmers Field

1960s Reunion at Timmerman's
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Timmerman's Supper Club - 7777 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque, Illinois, 61025

Spartan Social - Celebrating C'96, C'01, C'16, C'21
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | The Dog House Lounge - 1646 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001
ALL SPARTANS are welcome to attend the Spartan Social at The Dog House! Join us for food, drinks, and fun as we celebrate a wonderful Homecoming!

Sunday, October 11
UD Baseball Game at Field of Dreams*
1:00 p.m. | 28995 Lansing Road, Dyersville, Iowa
Tickets are $9 ($11.12 with fees); seating is limited. To purchase tickets, visit www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.come/ud-vs-nicc.

* Virtual Options! Look for this symbol next to events that will be offered on campus and virtually. 

NOTE: Free Alumni T-shirts are available while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis at Homecoming Registration. Shirts must be picked up in person on Friday, October 9 (10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)  in the Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center or Saturday, October 10 (9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) at the Alumni Tent in the Upper Finley Parking Lot. Sizes are not guaranteed.  

 

REUNIONS & AFFINITY GATHERINGS: 

Reunion Classes 

• Class of 1966
• Friday: President's Homecoming Celebration 
• Class of 1976 
• Friday: President's Homecoming Celebration 
• Class of 1986 
• Friday: President's Homecoming Celebration 
• Class of 1996 
• Saturday: Spartan Social @ The Dog House Lounge
• Class members also plan to gather at the Best Western on Saturday evening
• Class of 2001
• Saturday: Spartan Social @ The Dog House Lounge
• Class of 2016
• Saturday: Spartan Social @ The Dog House Lounge
• Class of 2021
• Saturday: Spartan Social @ The Dog House Lounge

Are you celebrating a reunion year? Email kkraus@dbq.edu to plan your gathering today! 

Groups Hosting Tailgate Tents 

• 1852 Society
• Athenaean Fraternity
• Army ROTC
• Black Alumni
• Class Reunions - New this Year! Celebrate your milestone reunion year in the Reunion Celebration Tent!
• Department of Aviation 
• Men's Basketball
• Men's Hockey
• Office of Student Activities
• Phi Beta Sigma
• Volleyball Team
• Women's Basketball 
• Wrestling 

Interested in hosting a tailgate tent? Email kkraus@dbq.edu to reserve your tent today! 

 

Unable to return to campus? Homecoming Spartan Spirit Packs will be available to order again this year!

Event schedule and details are subject to change.

 

Ready to Register? Click Here! 

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Relive past Homecoming moments with these photo albums (photos are available to download or print):